What You Should Know About Stuffed Animals Storage

Knowing how to store stuffed animals is very important, especially if you have a limited amount of space at home. There are some ways on how you can keep your collection organised, while still having access to it. These methods can help you keep the toys in pristine condition. Here are some of these methods.

Clean and Fix Rips or Tears

Before you store your stuffed animals, you should fix any rips or tears first. This way, you can prevent the toys from getting ruined when you’re cleaning them. Sew the bows, eyes or other features back on. You can vacuum the stuffed animals periodically and before storing them to get rid of allergens, dust, mites, dirt and other particles. Hold smaller toys in your hand and use a nozzle attachment of the right size to suck up all dust and dirt.

Place several medium and large stuffed toys in a large garbage bag. All you need to do is to insert the nozzle into the bag and then seal the garbage bag around it. Turn on the vacuum and allow it to suck out all the dirt, air and dust. You may have to re-fluff the stuffed toy using your hands if the stuffing has lost shape.

Wash and Dry the Toys

Make sure to check the toy’s care label before choosing the washing method to use. If the stuffed animals can be hand washed, you can fill a basin with cool water and then add 1 tablespoon of mild laundry detergent. Submerge the toys in the water. Gently stir up the water then rub the fur of the toy to eliminate all dirt and dust. Rinse the toys in clean water to get rid of the excess detergent.

If the toys are machine washable, you can stuff individual toys in pillow cases or mesh laundry bags. Wash the toys on the hand wash or delicate cycle. Don’t forget to use cold water and mild detergent to wash your stuffed animals. Wrap the toys in a towel and press out the excess water. Hang the stuffed animals on a clothesline. Turn the toys over periodically in order for the air to reach every side.

You can also clean the toys with baking soda. Place individual toys in pillow cases or plastic bags. Depending on the toy’s size, you can cover the stuffed animal with 1 tablespoon to one-quarter cup of baking soda. Close the plastic bag and shake it well. Allow the stuffed toys to sit in the bag for 30 minutes and wipe off excess baking soda and dirt with a damp towel.

Wrap the Toys

Wrap individual toys in tissue paper that is acid-free. You can buy this kind of paper online, at craft stores and from library suppliers. Storing the toys in lidded plastic totes allows you to stack the stuffed toys on top of each other, allowing air to flow inside and preventing mildew and mold from growing.

Follow these tips and you will surely be able to preserve your stuffed animals.